Temporary Alternatives

- Amanda - February 6, 2012

I cannot say enough fabulous words about Phil and Regis at Temp Alternatives!!! They are seriously life-savers. I had tried maaaany temp agencies in the city and was completely broke and jobless when I was referred to Phil. Within a DAY, I had a job and it was more well-paid than any temp job I had ever had. My schedule kept changing and I would update the guys with my availability and they would find me something new usually within a day. (This happened over 20 times). They have kept me employed, kept me laughing, and kept me paid. Throughout my time working with Temp Alternatives, I have felt supported and encouraged, and the guys were always 100% honest with me. There is seriously no other temp agency in New York that matches their skill and commitment. My experience was also in the midst of the recession, and yet I managed to make a better salary than I had been making at a full-time permanent job BEFORE the recession. I don't know what I would have done without Phil and Regis. If you are looking for work, you should contact them. Believe me.

- Sherry - December 4, 2011

I couldn't agree more with the positive comments on this site. Both Phil and Regis are "old school" pros who know their business inside out. It has been a delight and relief, quite frankly, finding them and working with them both. I admire their upbeat, straightforward, no-nonsense approach and appreciate the fact that they respect your time, capabilities and deliver results with assignments at top-notch companies. In this dreadful economy, this sort of conscientious, professional and pro-active response is rare and leagues above their peers. Highly recommend Temp Alternatives to anyone looking for employment and a boost in morale that comes with being valued and finding work.

- Mike - November 10, 2011

Excellent firm, very honest and straightforward. Never had an issues with being paid on time and everyone there is very nice. Would work with them again in a snap.

- Kia - July 6, 2011

I worked for them back in 2005 and I am currently trying to register with them again. I must say, I dont quite remember any names, but all of the staff was very polite. I had a month long assignment and was very pleased with my experience. Hopefully, this time around will be the same.

- Kayan - April 12, 2011

The guys at Temp Alt are great. I have been with them off and on since 2005. I highly recommend them.

- I - March 25, 2011

Regis is the wonderful(and Phil too, but I worked with Regis more). This agency is by far, the most straightforward, honest and efficient one I have come across. They treat you with respect, and value your skills/ education, which helps them match you with position that are suitable for you. I also like that they are straightforward when they don't have jobs available, but call you as soon as they do. This allows you to look elsewhere if necessary. Out of all the shady temp agencies out there, this is probably the one I would recommend the most, because of the people that work there and their honest attitude towards workers. They also have a good sense of humor too (I like that I can send Regis responses to his emails:-)

- anonymous - January 31, 2011

phil and regis definitely fun people when speaking with them. :) quite humorous which helps to take the sting out the long signup process. the poor rating is due fact that they have yet to contact me with a viable (well, any position really) position since signing up with them and i did pretty well on the tests. hopefully they will contact me soon with a temp assignment.

- Jezebel - January 15, 2011

Phil and Regis are great!! I worked for them in the past and I would work for them again. Phil as for the negative comments, just ignore them as they are just insignificant people that instead of thanking you guys for helping them trying to find a job in this very difficult market. TEMP ALTERNATIVES is the greatest agency you could ever find out there. They always took their time to place me in a job, never had any problems in paying on time. So for all those who are interested in working for them go for it! They are the best!!!

- Phil - January 13, 2011

This is Phil from Temporary Alternatives. There are many positive and negative comments on this site which I've never bothered to address but none so inflammatory as Ann's. I'm pretty sure I know who Ann is so I'm addressing her accusations personally and I might remind her that libel is a very serious thing. You accuse us of thievery but you forget to mention that you came to us in the depths of the recession begging for work. Your background was stellar which prompted us to present you to one of the largest corporations in NYC, I dare say in the world which did hire you as a temporary. During the process, we fully discussed the pay rate which you agreed to. However, shortly after you began the assignment, you contacted me for a raise which I explained to you would have to be addressed with the on-site vendor who turned the request down. Regardless, we gave you a slight increase anyway. Bottom line? You were employed for an entire year through us. You never had a problem getting paid and even when your time sheet was late I pushed it through. Now about the libelous accusation that we are thieves. You often told me that you saw the invoices. In that case, you saw what we were billing the client. You must think that the difference is what we are "pocketing". I tried to explain to you that it wasn't that simple. The gross profit that you figured out is just that GROSS profit, the difference between what we pay you and what we bill the client. Pay attention everyone this is something you all should know. Once you figure in rent, Social Security match which we must do by law, Workers Compensation insurance which protects you, Liability insurance which protect the client, salaries and administrative costs and the little bit we "pocket", there isn't much left over. Maybe 5% of gross, MAYBE. So NO Ann we didn't cut your resume apart. We paid you what we could in a terrible market. We paid you in a timely fashion. We met our legal obligations to the government both state, city and federal. We paid our staff. So instead of accusing us Ann I think you ought to thank us because, if you are the Ann I think you are, your now a permanent employee at the very company you temped at.

- Ann - January 5, 2011

Cheap agency. Wants to knock anything on your resume to cut you down in pay per hour. I worked for all of the best Investment Banks on Wall Street at a very good rate per hour & when I spoke with Phil, he did nothing but knock my background to cut me down over $40.00 per hour. He can go to Hell because this Agency wants to pocket the difference. They are professional thieves !!!! Don't waste your time with them.

- Michelle - January 3, 2011

I agree they are the best set of people to work for. I've worked for them over a year ago and everytime i went there i had an assinment. Phil and Regis are the best. Like most of you stated they are honest which is what you need in todays market. I am working now but they will be the first peole i go to when I am in the market again. I recommend them to anyone.

- Violette - September 8, 2010

I agree - Both Regis and Phil are good. Regis is excellent with remembering names. He is so positive and upbeat encouraging you to register with other agencies. Highly recommend this agency.

- PhaedrusNYC - August 18, 2010

I have worked as a temp on and off for well over a decade, getting registered through my own initiative at numerous companies, some now defunct. Somehow in all that time I missed Temporary Alternatives, and I really wish I hadn't, because they are by far the most straight-shooting, honest-dealing agency I have ever worked with. This is the first agency out of about ten I've worked with over the years that: Told me exactly what they were billing for my services; Made clear what they could and could not do for me; Never hassled me to take an assignment I did not want or held it against me later; and actively encouraged me to register for as many agencies as possible- even to the point of recommending several in their building. Keep in mind, I'm used to agencies who have outright lied to me about their "cut"; refused to ever offer me work again because I'd taken another assignment; threatened to have my unemployment cut off if I did not accept their below-market pay rates; stopped offering me work after missing two days for illness out of a year of long-term assignments (that one told me before then that I was "the best" and afterward that I was "unreliable"); and all manner of corrupt, nasty, immoral business dealings. Beyond that, their personal style is upfront, blunt, but warm. I have tremendously enjoyed Phil's sarcastic emails over the last few months, and it was nice knowing I was working with easy-going people who have a sense of humor. Here's an example of their integrity: Recently, they severed a business relationship with a client that normally would have left about 15 temps unemployed unless the client agreed to pay a transfer fee (standard industry practice). Rather than leave their temps twisting in the wind, TA released all of them from their contracts and encouraged them to keep working for the client if they had the opportunity to do so. If you've been temping a while, ask yourself when the last time was that an agency cared more about the temp than about the money they were making from them? I have seen some of the complaints on here, and yes, in the last six months I had one issue with a paycheck that was partly TA's fault and partly the client company's. However, they busted their asses making the situation right for me and would have advanced me money if I had needed it. Mistakes happen. What's important is how a company resolve's them. I wish I could have spend the last few years rather than the last few months with TA- as it is, their last assignment has landed me a permanent job (again, TA waived the finder's fee). But, knowing this economy, I could always end up temping again, and they will be absolutely the first agency I call.

- Elena - August 11, 2010

I've read all the negative stuff about Temporary Alternatives and can't believe you people. I've known these guys for 15 years. In all that time there has been some problems with paychecks or time sheets or whatever. Whenever there have been problems they always fix them, pay back any bank fees and never gave me the impression that they are shady, AT ALL. They are honest and knowlegeable and I've even referred family to them. The world's not a perfect place people!!

- cathy - June 1, 2010

I am looking for Job, can you please help me, you can email me at caterina_pagano2000@yahoo.com

- Anonymous - May 14, 2010

They expect you to be at your job on a timely manner and I won't argue with that. But they don't pay you on a timely manner and I have to argue with that!! Non professionals, I agree

- Naia - March 25, 2010

I started with them in 1999. They always found me good, nice paying jobs. Alot of good expeirences. Phil and Regis are really excellent. I would recommend anyone to them. They always remember me when I call especially Regis.

- a - February 22, 2010

Temp Alternatives is great! I've worked with them on and off for the past two years. Recently, they got me a great well-paying gig at a bank. I've worked with both Regis and Phil who have been nothing but supportive and friendly and on-the-ball, so to speak; as someone said earlier, the folks are TA are sharp and really know the NYC market. I think that anyone who has had a really bad experience might need to look at his/her own attitutde and professionalism! My only complaint about TA is that the health care insurance they offer is not so great.

- avrila - February 6, 2010

If you do your part these guys will do theirs. There is no smoke and mirrors, no promises. They tell you what you need to do and leave it up to you to do it. I find them very refreshing in an industry known for impersonal agencies and shady operations. These guys are the best.

- Julie G. - February 5, 2010

Temporary Alternatives has really helped connect me with various employment opportunities over the years. I started working with them when I was in college and was looking for some extra income. Phil and Regis were always very welcoming and professional and really worked to find opportunities that would suit my skills. After graduating college I went back to them for assistance in finding full-time, permanent positions. With their help, I was successfully able to secure some great positions that added to my resume and experience. Many of my family members have also worked with the agency and have had great experiences. I am always remembered by the staff here and feel welcomed every time, even after coming back years later. I know I can rely on Temp Alternatives to assist me in the future when I am in need of new employment opportunities. Great staff. Welcoming environment. Very helpful in finding job opportunities.

- JustMe - November 16, 2009

I registered with these guys nearly a decade ago. I haven't worked through them a lot, but they ALWAYS remember me when I call or email. I think some people on this forum confuse straightforwardness with rudeness. These men are veteran NYC recruiters who will tell you what they see on your resume and in your demeanor; that's a GOOD thing. When you register with them, ask the main receptionist if you can register with Joe and Renee next door as well (I forget Joe and Renee's agency name right now, unfortunately). Lots of other agencies there on 14 as another poster pointed out -- can't vouch for any of the others, but definitely go just to register with TempAlt and the one next door with Joe and Renee.

- JustJLeonM - August 23, 2009

I started with these guys about two years ago after a good friend told me about their services. They are very friendly, courteous, and straight-forward. You have to keep up with them, keep coming back, keep calling. They'll find you the positions you need and are always there to give advice and assistance when you need it most. If you're not willing to be proactive enough to check-in with them frequently, you can always find other places that will keep up with your pace, just be prepared to deal with lower quality services.

- financefall - July 8, 2009

I received one job through temp alt that lasted a year and a half, another that lasted 9 months. But they got me work when i needed it the most. When you go on standby, your resume goes to the top of the list for the best jobs.

- G - June 2, 2009

This is an awful place. They make you feel like dirt. Not a good feeling when you need the work. Very unprofessional and I agree with the previous comment "Shadey"

- Karen - April 28, 2009

I went to see them for the first time today. I dont agree with the negative comments already made (at least not so far). I didnt wait that long....I really like the recruiter I spoke to (Philip P). I hope I will be able to work with them in the future as I've been out of work for nearly six months

- JivaniS - April 1, 2009

The guys @ Temp Alt are the best! Very down to earth and honest. I went to them looking for temp to perm and they did tell me that they normally don't offer that but would push me as a good candidate. In the meantime they kept me employed up until my final interview through them w/ the company I am @ now. I've been here for two years and can't thank them enough. Yes the place is a tad rustik, but the service is A . These guys are very transparent w/ what they can do for you, which I love.

- BrooklynLawScho - February 3, 2009

This agency is not to be recommended to anyone.I have more skills than anyone in that office and yet the SOB's -none of who can type - tell me that I am not strong enough. One person in particular Phil Prater is particularly obnoxious and rude. You ask them for bread year after year day after day and you get stone.They have a standby policy where you can go and wait for work - but they never had any to offer. They will get what is coming to them. They insult your professionalism, your morals ( Phil accused me of taking drugs), your character and your worth(by offering you garbage wages for garbage assignments). They are a disgrace.

- Franco - January 12, 2009

I used this agency in the fall of 2008. They (Temp-Alt) found me at monster.com and and offered me a good hourly rate for one week assignment with one of their client. so I took the job. After I completed my assignment I waited 3 weeks for my pay check so I called to find out where it was and the bitch that answered the call told me it was sent already, then I asked her to verify my address and THEY SENT MY CHECK TO THE WRONG ADDRESS!!!! At the end they admit their mistake and issued a new check for me, so I went to pick it up, and they charged me $30.00 out of my paycheck for their mistake....I went to their office and yelled at them until one of the recruiter felt embarrassed and gave the $30.00 back to told me to leave. I do not recommend this agency to anyone, THEY ARE SHADY.

- Alex - September 3, 2008

I used this agency while i was in college. they are great. does anyone have their emails.. i need to contact them again. please send to a_gisone@yahoo.com thanks!!

- Erika - July 24, 2008

I have used their services off and on for years! Always helpful, professional and on the ball. It's a two way street people.

- Karen - July 22, 2008

I've known the guys at T.A. for a very long time. They're a pretty decent, easy-going & hard-working group of guys who've worked together for years & they obviously know what they're doing. If they have no work available, they'll tell you. They will offer 'alternative' suggestions, and will introduce you to the other people working in different employment firms in their building who may have work available. Their location at 295 Madison Avenue is replete with employment agencies, so you can register with those others, too. That building is like a 'One-Stop-Shop' in regards to temporary & permanent employment agencies. You won't wait your time.

- anonymous - July 1, 2008

I've been with Temp-Alt for many,many yrs. & they have always been professional, courteous, hardworking & diligent. They treat everyone who walks through their doors with respect & of eaqual value! I would highly recommend them to anyone who is searching! You have to do your part as well by following up, after all you can't expect them to do everything for you.

- anonymous - June 27, 2008

their service has precipitously declined in the past 3 years. i was out of the state for some time and was hopeful to find the knowledged, experienced, forthright staff i had dealt with before. instead, i was mislead into a whirlwind of hopeless predicaments. i would not recommend their service to anyone. their lack of expertise is evident.

- LaidOffInNYC - June 17, 2008

I've used them in the past and it was a very positive experience. I sent them an email awhile ago letting them know I was back in the market -- they responded, asking what hourly rate I was looking for, I responded and then received no response back. I was disappointed, but then again they do come right out and say they need people to follow up with them because the resumes pile up very quickly. I could've been more proactive.

- anonymous - March 21, 2008

The staff is very professional.